Rod-rolling mill.



. 'Patented Aug. l2, |902. '0. A. NIGHMAN. ROD BULLING MILL.

(Application led Jan. 2, 1902.)

(N9 Model.)

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No. 706,993. Patented Aug. l2, I902.

C. A. NIGHMAN.

ROD ROLLING MILL.

.Applicatin mea Jan. 2`, 1902.) (No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 3.

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` NIJ. 706,993. Patented Aug. I2. i902.

c. A. NIGHMAN.

ROD ROLLING MILL.

(Application filed Jan. 2, 1902.) '(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet-4.

WMM/55555.- INVENTOR.

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No. 706,993. Patented Aug. l2, |902.

' c. A. NIGHMAN.

non oLLmG MILL.

(Application filed Jan, 2, 1902.)

5 Sheets-Sheet .5.

(No Model.)

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CHARLES A. NIGHMAN, OF JERSEY CITY, NEV JERSEY.

ROD-ROLLING lViILL.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Eatent No.. 706,993, dated August 12, 1902. Application filed January 2v. 1902. Serial No. 88,095. (No model.)

if 0 LZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES A. NIGHMAN, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of Jersey City, inthe State of New Jersey, have invented a new and useful Im-` provement in Rod-Rolling Mills,`of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates exclusively to rodrolling trains, and primarily `to what are classed as angular trains, one set of rolls in the improved mill, hereinafter termed the fiuishiug-1oll's, being at right angles to those of the precediugset, hereinafter termed the neXt-to-the-last rolls.

The invention consists in a novel construction of said next-to-the-last rolls as to shape of pass, in the combination of parts as a whole preferably employed for the production of rods from the ingot or billet, including finishing-rolls into whichV the rod is guided from said next-to-the-last rolls, and in the appurtenances of a set of vertical rolls, preferably said finishing-rolls, forming part of the improved mill, as hereinafter described and claimed. y A

The objects of the invention are to provide the rod from end to end Within the nextto-A the-last pass with laterally-projecting longitudinal ribs by which to truly and steadily guide the rod into the hinishing-pass and by means of the surplus metal contained in such ribs to fill out and perfect the rod in the finishing-pass; to prevent the formation of fins at either of said passes, and thus to prevent the waste which has heretofore occurred at both ends of rods; to facilitate the rolling of rods in maximum Vlengths and the production of uniform and perfect rods at increased speed and reduced cost, and to facilitate the y adjustment and operation of said vertical un* ishing-rolls.

The product of the improved mill may be of round, octagonal, hexagonal, or square crosssection and of any size.

Five sheets of drawings accompany this specification as part thereof.

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1, 2, and 3 together represent diagrammatcally the improved rod-rolling mill as a whole. Fig. 4 represents an elevation of the finishing-rolls shown at the top in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 represents a cross-section through the rod in the "final pass of the breaking-down rolls, Fig. l, illustrating the product of said rolls. Fig. 6 represents a cross-section through the rod in the corresponding pass of the oval rolls, Fig. 2, illustrating the product of these rolls. Fig. 7 represents a cross-section on the line A B, Fig. 3, showing the oval rod in its guide. Fig. 8 represents a cross section through the ribbed rod in the corresponding pass of the nent-to-the-last rolls, as shown at the bottom in Fig. 3, illustrating the product of the rib-rolls.7 Fig. 9 represents a cross-section on the line C D, Fig. 3, showing the ribbed rod in its guide; and Fig. 10 representsacrosssection through the rod in the corresponding pass of the finishing-rolls, Fig. 4, showing the finished rod. `The foregoing figures illustrate the production of round rods. Figs. 11, 12, 13, and 14 represent successive cross-sections of the rod, illustrating the production of octagoual rods. Figs. l5 to 1S, inclusive, illustrate in like manner the production of hexagonal rods; and Figs. 19 to 21, inclusive,

Villustrate in like manner the production of square rods by the improved mill. Fig. 22 is a sectional elevation of said rib-rolls, the guide leading therefrom, and the finishingrolls. Fig. 23 is a front elevation of said finishing-rolls, showing said guide in cross-section in the foreground. Fig. 24 is a side elevation of said finishing-rolls with portions broken away, and Fig.A 25 isa plan View of said finishing-rolls. Figs. 4 to 25, inclusive, are enlarged with reference to Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the enlargement of Figs. 5 to 21, inclusive, being seven diameters.

Like reference letters and numbers indicate like parts in all the figures.

In the production of round rods I preferably and conveniently reduce the ingot-say four inches square in cross-section-to the proper size for a given diameter of rod-say to one and three-sixteenths inches for a one-inch rod--by the successive passes of a three-high set of breaking-down rolls 1 in a customary manner. Thesquareproductcisthenpassed once through said oval rolls 2. The oval IOO b b of the pass. Otherwise this pass is of the same shape and dimensions as the corresponding pass of the finishing-rolls 6 and as the final product a4. In other Words, it corresponds in shape with the final product at two diametrically opposite points c c, and between these points is of full size, so as to requireno change of shape at these points in the iinishing-rolls. The rod a3 passes from said ribrolls 4 into a guide 5, having a passage-way of corresponding shape adjusted as to size by screw-bolts d and washers e, as shown in Fig. 9, and is automatically delivered by said guide 5 with said ribsa perpendicular to the grooves forming the corresponding pass of the finishing-rolls 6. (Compare Figs. 8, 9, and 10.) Within said pass of the finishingrolls 6 the surplus metal contained in said ribs ct being still sufficiently hot owing to the shape and proportions of such ribs is forced into the rod, causing every portion of the circumference of the rod to be equally filled out. This is accompanied by a slight elongation, which aids in giving the rod a perfect finish.

In the production of octagonal rods, Fig. 14, as illustrated by Figs. 11 to 14, inclusive, I proceed in precisely the saine manner, and theonly change in the apparatus is the modification of the passes of the rib-rolls 4 and the passage of the succeeding guide 5 to make them correspond in shape with Fig. 13 and the passes of the finishing-rolls 6 to make `them correspond in shape with Fig. 14.l

A 19 to 21, inclusive, the square rod a being fed directly into the rib-rolls 4 with or without the aid of a guide 3. In producing all said angular shapes the laterally-projecting longitudinal ribs dare made of angular forms ,best suited to disappear perfectly in the finished rods, as illustrated by Figs. 13, 17, and 20; but in all cases the functions of said ribs are the samenamely, to prevent any torsional displacement or turning of the rod between the rib-rolls 4 and the finishing-rolls 6, to supply surplus metal for filling out and perfecting the rod in the finishing-pass in a form and at a heat that will insure its incorporation into the body of the rod, and to prelvent the formation of ins in the linishingpasses. Such ribs 0L d differ from dns in that they are not accidental and are not formed between the collars by the escape of metal at the sides of the passes, and are not confined to the ends of the rod or situated at irregularintervals or of uncertain shape, and are not of such proportions as to render them liable to quickly chill; but theyare purposely formed by lateral enlargements of the nextto-the-last pass and extend uniformly the entire lengthof the rod, and are adapted to retainsucient heat to fully disappear in the body of the finished product and to lill out and improve said finished product. In all cases, moreover, two portions c c of the circumference midway between said ribs d a are given their final shape in the next-to-thelast pass. In producing round rods 0.4, Fig. 10, such portions c c are segments of'a cylinder. In producing octagonal rods they constitute four of the eight sides. In producing hexagonal rods they constitute two of the six sides, and in the production of square rods they constitute two of the four angles.

The oval rolls 2, rib-rolls 4, and finishingrolls 6 are each preferably provided with a nu mber of passes of grad uated sizes,as shown although but one pass of each set of said rolls is used in `my process at a given operation. The different grooves are used as in some other processes for rolling rods of different sizes, and thus obviate frequent changes of the rolls.

The improved means for supporting, adj usting, and operating the vertical rolls will now be described. These rolls are preferably and conveniently the finishing-rolls 6, as aforesaid, and are shown in detail by, Figs. 22 to 25, inclusive, in connection with Figs. 3 and 4. Referring to said Figs. 22 to 25, it will be seen that the pair of rolls 6 are hung in brasses 7 and 8 at top and bottom, between carriages 9, 10, and 11 at top, as shown in Fig. 25, vand between like carriages at bottom in a vertically and horizontally movable housing, the principal parts of whichare a pair of heavy castings 12 and 13, rigidly united with each other by a bolted joint 14, (shownin Figs. 22 to 24,) a pair of posts 15 at the open edge of the housing, and a pair of caps 16 at the same edge, removable for the removal and introduction of the rolls 6 with their carriages, (itc. Said posts 15 are held in place by bolts 17, which may be throughbolts, and said caps 16 by Cotter-bolts 18. (Best shown with the aid of dotted lines in Fig. 25.) The vertical rolls 6 are adjusted within said housing to aline their respective pairs of grooves with each other by vertical `screws 19 (best shown in Fig. 23) and then closely clamped together, throughthe agency of their housings 7 and8 and carriages 9, 10, and 11, by horizontal feed-screws 2O and 21. To aline any pass of the vertical rolls 6 with a given pass of preceding or succeeding horizontal rolls-said next-to-the-last rolls 4, for example-the vertical rolls 6, with their housing, are first moved horizontally into general alinement with the appropriate pass of the horizontal rolls by means of a screw 22, swiveled to a relatively fixed support 23, steadied at its other end by a supplemental support 24 and coacting with a nut 25, fast on the housing. The vertical rolls 6, with their housing, arethen raised or lowered until their appropriate pass is in line with that of the horizontal rolls. This is accomplished by turning a horizontal hand-shaft 26,m0unt ed in fixed bearings 27 and 28 and connected by beveled gears 29 and 30 with apair of vertical screws 31 and 32, which coact, respec- IOO IIO

tively, with nuts 33 and 34, fast on theback of an apron 35, that carries said housing. Relativelyiixed steps 36 and 37 steady the lower ends of said vertical screws 3l and 32. When the desired alinernent is effected, the apron and therewith the rolls (j and their housing are clamped against vertical displacement by horizontal bolts 3S and 39, passing through said apron 35 and through vertical slots 40 and 4l in the face-webs of a pair of standards 42 and 43, that are rigidly bolted to the bed-plate 44 and constitute therewith the stationary main frame of the set of rolls. A tie-beam 45 and attaching-bolts unite the upper ends of said standards 42 and 43, and the apron 35 slides on their planed faces. The upper casting l2 ofthe housing of the vertical rolls 6 is constructed with a strong hook or hooks 46 at its upper edge, by which it overhangs the offset and planed upper edge of the apron 35, as best shown in Fig. 24. The lower edge of the apron 35 is offset and planed in like manner and embraced by a hook or hooks 47, as shown in Figs. 22 and 24, rigidly bolted to the lower casting 13 of the housing.

The vertical rolls 6 are driven by belt from a drum on overhead line-shafting. A iianged driven pulley 48 is fast on a driven shaft 49, mounted in pillow-bearings 50 and 5l at the top of the housing, and pairs of beveled gears 52 and 53 connect said driven shaft 49 with the respective rolls l5. The vertical rolls are thus adapted to be driven independently of the horizontal rolls and to have their speed regulated with nicety, while the employment of splined shafts and the like is avoided.

The bearing 50 at the open end of the housing of the vertical rolls 6 is formed on a cap 54, (best shown in Fig. 24,) which is removed, together with the previously-described cap 16, when the rolls 6 are tothe removed from the housing. `The base 55 of the other bearing 5l may be integral with said upper casting l2 of the housing.

The guide 5, by which the ribbed rod is introduced into the pass of the vertical finishing-rolls, is supported at its delivery end by a bar 56, as shown in Fig. 23. The guide is ixedly bolted to this bar at mid-length of the latter, and the supporting-bar 56 is held at the required height by means of bolts 57 and 58, the heads of which slide in vertical 'l'- grooves 59 and 60 in the face of the front post l5 at the open edge of the housing and in the face of the housing-castings l2 and 13, respectively. Said bolts 57 and 5S and the other end of the guide 5 at the rib-rolls 4 should be loosened before the adjustment of the vertical rolls 6 is begun. Theline-train, composed of said breaking-down, oval, and rib rolls l, 2, and 4, is driven in customary manner, and apart from the details as to passes hereinbefore specified may be of any known or improved construction. The appurtenances of said rib-rolls 4 (shown in Fig. 22) are of known construction, as are all the features of said oval guide 3. Further description thereof is therefore omitted as unnecessary.

'lhe vertical rolls G may insome cases be the rib-rolls of the improved train and the finishing-rolls horizontal. The mechanical details of such vertical rolls 6 may varywidely without departing from the mode of operation hereinbefore set forth, and other like modications will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.

The number of the sets of rolls is not considered material; but those hereinbefore specified are considered sufficient for the reduction of rods of any size from the ingot or billet and a less number would not suiice, except for the production of square rods, where the rod is passed directly from the breaking-down rolls to the rib-rolls, as aforesaid.

The novel process herein described, apart from the apparatus by which the same is carried into effect, is more fully set forth and claimed in my companion specification forming part of an application for patent for Improvement in methods of rolling rods, filed in the United States Patent Oflice the 2d day of Jan uary, 1902, Serial No. 88,096, and forms no part of the apparatus invention hereinafter claimed.

Having thus described said improvement, I claim as myinvention and desire to patent under this specificationM '1. A rod-rolling mill having, in combination, a set of rolls having their pass-forming grooves constructed with rib-forming enlargements, means for guiding the rod by its ribs as it issues from said rolls to prevent any twisting thereof, and a set of rolls arranged to receive the ribbed rod :from the guiding means and to roll the ribs into the body of the rod.

i* 2. A rod-rolling mill having, in combination, a set of rolls having their pass-forming grooves constructed with rib-forming enlargements, a guide, conformed internally to the continuously ribbed rod so produced, arranged to receive the ribbed rod as it issues from said rolls and to prevent any twisting thereof, and a set of finishing-rolls arranged to receive the ribbed rod from said guide and to roll the ribs into the body of the rod.

3. A rod-rolling mill having, in combination, a set of horizontal rolls having their passforming grooves constructed with rib-forming enlargements, a guide, conformed internally to the continuously-ribbed rod so produced, arranged to receive the ribbed rod as it issues from said rolls and to prevent any twisting thereof, and a set of vertical rolls arranged to receive the ribbed rod from said guide and to roll the ribs into the body of the rod.

4. A rod-rolling mill having, in combination, a set of rolls having their pass-forming grooves constructed at theirlateral edges with rib-forming enlargements, a guide, conformed internally to the continuously-ribbed rod so produced, arranged to receive the ribbed rod IIO &

as it issues from said rolls and to prevent any twisting thereof, and a set of rolls arranged to receive the ribbed rod from said guide and to roll the ribs into the body of the rod.

5. A rod-rolling mill having, in combination, breaking-down rolls, oval rolls, a guide for the oval rod, as hereinbefore specified, ribrolls arranged to receive the oval rod through said guide with their pass-forming grooves perpendicular to the major diameter of such oval rod and constructed with rib-formin g enlargements, a guide, conformed internally to the continuously-ribbed rod so produced, arranged to receive t-he ribbed rod as it issues from said rib-rolls and to prevent any twisting thereof, and iinishing-rolls, arranged to receive the ribbed rod from said last-named guide, with theirpass-forming grooves perpendicular to said ribs.

6. A rod-rolling mill having, in combination, a line-train composed of breakimg-down rolls, oval rolls, and rib-rolls, the latter constructed wit-h rib-forming passes, a guide arranged to feed the oval rod into a pass of said rib-rolls with a quarter-turn, a guide, conformed internally to the continuously-ribbed rod so produced, arranged to receive the ribbed rod as it issues from said rib-rolls and to prevent any twisting thereof, and vertical finishing-rolls arranged to receive the ribbed rod from said last-named guide and to roll the rib into the body of the rod.`

'7. A rod-rolling mill having, in combination with a set of horizontal rib-rolls having a number of passes of graduated size each constructed with rib-forming enlargements, a guide, conformed internally to the continu- -ously-ribbed rod so produced, adjustable for rods of different sizes and movable horizontally into line with any pass of said rolls, a set of vertical rolls arranged to receive the ribbed rod from said guide and having a number of passes of graduated size, and means for moving said vertical rolls horizontally and vertically to bring any of their passes into alinement with the corresponding pass of said horizontal rolls and with said guide.

8. In arod-rolliug mill, the combination with a set of horizontal rolls and a set of vervoaees tical rolls, each having a number of passes, of a movable housing for said vertical rolls, means carried by said housing for alining the grooves of the respective vertical rolls with each other and for pressing these rolls into close contact with each other, an apron supporting said housing, means for sliding said housing upon said apron and thereby moving said vertical rolls horizontally into alinement, means for raising and lowering said apron and therewith said housing and vertical rolls, and a stationary main frame supporting said apron and housing.

9. In a rod-rolling mill, the combination with a set of horizontal rolls and a set of vertical rolls, each having a number of passes of a movable housing for said vertical rolls, means carried by said housing for alining the grooves of the respective vertical rolls with each other and for pressing these rolls into close contact with each other, an apron supporting said housing, means for sliding said housing upon said apron and thereby moving said vertical rolls horizontally into alinement, means for raising and lowering said apron and therewith said housing and vertical rolls, a stationary main frame, and means for lixedly clamping thereto said apron and therewith said housing.

10. In a rod-rolling mill, the combination with a set of horizontal rolls and a set of vertical rolls, each having a number of passes of graduated size, of a movable housing for said vertical rolls, means carried by said housing for alining the grooves of the respective vertical rolls with each other and for pressing these rolls into close contact with each other, an apron supporting said housing, means for sliding said housing upon said apron and thereby moving said vertical rolls horizontally into alinement, means for raising and lowering said apron and therewith said housing and vertical rolls, a stationary main frame, and means for xedly clamping thereto said apron and therewith said housing.

CHARLES A. NIGHMAN. 

